Spousal Maintenance Attorney in Fort Worth, TX

Texas lets spouses reach a contractual alimony agreement as part of the Final Decree of Divorce. The total amount and duration will ultimately depend on the spouses; the terms won’t be imposed by the state’s court system. But the court may enforce alimony provisions like they do for normal contracts.

In unique circumstances, Texas courts may order spousal support for a set period. In this case, however, the spouse receiving support must have proof of the lack of sufficient property to meet their reasonable needs after the divorce. This includes community property from the divorce along with separate property.

Under Texas law, an individual is entitled to spousal maintenance after their divorce is finalized if they:

• Are the custodian of a physically or mentally disabled child of the marriage; or 
• Are unable to earn sufficient income to meet their reasonable needs due to an incapacitating disability that occurred sometime during the marriage; or
• Were married to their spouse for at least 10 years and lacks the ability to earn adequate income for themselves to meet their minimum reasonable needs

An individual is also eligible to request spousal maintenance if the other spouse was convicted of family violence within two years before their divorce was filed. (Texas Family Code Sec. 8.051. Eligibility)